It is amazing how time flies; 2013 seems just like yesterday when I chaired the first edition of “ARGUNGU SERIES 1” Art exhibition of Moses Oghagbon, at Terra Kulture, in Lagos, Nigeria.

That occasion provided me the first contact with the artist and his works, which I found to be deep, rooted at propagating Northern Nigeria culture. Some good number of the works on display at the exhibition, centered on the Argungu Fishing Festival of  Kebbi State, Nigeria. At the opening of the exhibition, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera (CON), was graciously represented by Alhaji Abubakar Dan Malan (Mai Arewan Bui) District Head Bui, while the Government of Kebbi State was represented by Mr Abel Kinosi , the chief consultant to the ARGUNGU INTERNATIONAL FISHING AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL.

The artist developed a robust and lasting relationship with Kebbi people,  from his positive experience during his National Youth Service (NYSC), in Kebbi State. Oghagbon Moses, through his creative works, is contributing immensely to showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the ARGUNGU EMIRATE and Kebbi State of Northern Nigeria and of course our country in general. He has dedicatedly chosen his art to promoting our rich cultural festivals.

Oghagbon Moses’s extraordinary voyage in artistic discovery of Kebbi State culture, is molding him into some highly accomplished visual anthropologist, through his dedicated and committed focus on ARGUNGU people. His works are immensely impacting at placing and sustaining Kebbi State’s visibility on our national and by extension, global cultural map.

 In conclusion, his creative artistic works in this exhibition come highly recommended to collectors, scholars and culture enthusiasts that are interested in exploring the dazzling beauty of Northern Nigerian.

Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon

FIoD, FNSE, FCS, FCIM.

2019.